Waterfalls are truly one of the most spectacular sights in nature. Gallons upon gallons of water, rushing over rocks and hurtling into a pool below. Who could have thought something so simple could be so beautiful? If you’re a nature lover looking for your next cascade to capture, check out the eight most beautiful waterfalls in the world. Some you might have heard of and others you may have not. But the one thing these waterfalls all have in common is their ability to astound, amaze and mesmerise.
The Most Beautiful Waterfalls in the World
Havasupai Falls, Arizona, America
Havasupai: the land of Gatorade blue water, surprisingly aggressive squirrels, and views that take your breath away: Photo by Cara Fuller on Unsplash
Located within the Grand Canyon in Arizona, Havasupai Falls is one of the most out-of-the-way falls on this list. You’ve got to endure a 16 km hike there and back to reach it. But surely a view as impressive as this is more than worth the trouble?
Gullfoss Waterfall, Iceland
Gullfoss Falls, Iceland at Dusk: Photo by Mahkeo on Unsplash
One of Iceland’s most iconic attractions, Gullfoss Waterfall is fed by the country’s second largest glacier, Langjökull. Here water plummets 32m into a rugged canyon with towering walls that rise up 70m into the sky. Discover more of the most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland.
Aling Aling Waterfall, Indonesia
Aling-Aling Waterfall, Indonesia: Photo by Oliver Sjöström on Unsplash
Bali is well-known for its stunning falls and Aling Aling Waterfall is one of the best. Surrounded by lush, dense greenery, this fall gives you the opportunity to know what it feels like to fly – by jumping from one of its ledges and plunging into the cool, refreshing pool 15m below.
Niagara Falls, Canada
Niagara Falls lights at night: Photo by Bryan Goff on Unsplash
Without a doubt one of the most famous waterfalls in the world, Niagara Falls in North America is at the top of many nature lovers’ bucket lists. The incredible view becomes even more captivating at night, when the water is illuminated like a rainbow with multi-coloured lights.
Kegon Falls, Japan
Kegon Falls, Nikko, Japan: Photo by Lyndon Li on Unsplash
Found in Nikko in Japan, Kegon Falls is fed by Lake Chuzenji which hurtles a staggering 97m into the rocky depths below, creating a dynamic piece of natural artwork. One of the highlights is a lift which takes visitors up to the basin so they can feel the true force and hear the roar of the waterfall up close.
Skógafoss Falls, Iceland
Skógafoss, Iceland: Photo by Balazs Busznyak on Unsplash
The second Icelandic waterfall on this list, Skógafoss Falls is one of the few places you can spot a double rainbow. The sun has to be in the right position and the water has to be powerful enough to produce just the perfect amount of drizzle. But if everything’s in place, a gorgeous double rainbow appears right in front of the most beautiful waterfalls.
Multnomah Falls, Oregon, USA
Multnomah Falls, Oregon, United States: Photo by John Westrock on Unsplash
Just a 30-minute drive outside Portland, Multnomah Falls is a 50m-tall awe-inspiring cascade of icy-cold water. Shrouded in Native American lore, these falls were said to be created to win over the heart of a young princess who wanted a private place to bathe. But visitors today are content with trekking to the carved-out opening in the rock face from where they can admire both tiers of the falls.
Snoqualmie Falls, Washington, USA
Snoqualmie Falls, Washington, United States: Photo by Michael Denning on Unsplash
Attracting more than 1.5 million visitors each year, Snoqualmie Falls in Washington crashes 82m into the ground below and provides a natural source of energy for the nearby hydro-electric power plant. The plush Salish Lodge stands at the top of the falls. Salish Lodge is famous for its dining room, which treats guests to incredible views of the falls as they drink and dine.